Champagne Tour

Paris to Epernay (7-day electric bike tour)

Day 1: Paris - Lagny-sur-Marne, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 2: Lagny-sur-Marne - Meaux, 13 or 26 mi.  (22 or 42 km)
Day 3: Meaux – La Ferté-sous-jouarre, 16 or 32 mi. (27 or 52 km)
Day 4: La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre – Château-Thierry, 24 or 26 mi. (40 or 44 km)
Day 5: Château-Thierry – Dormans – Epernay, 19 or 35 mi. (35 or 50 km)
Day 6: Epernay round tour, 11 or 16 mi. (19 or 26 km); visit Epernay and Champagne houses
Day 7: Departure from Epernay

 If there are 18 or more booked, two tour guides will be riding and on certain days can offer a longer or shorter itinerary. When there are less than 18 guests aboard, the tours will be accompanied by one knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leader. During days when two bicycle options are possible, the tour leader will make a choice to guide the longer or the shorter option after consultation with the group.

Not all mentioned highlights can be visited during the short cycling option

Day 1:  Paris - Lagny-sur-Marne, 23 mi. ( 38 km)
Embarkation and check-in at 11 am in the center of Paria on the Seine river in Paris. You leave Paris by bike via the canal de l’Ourcq. A bike path leads from the place the la Bastille (close to the mooring place of the Zwaantje), via the bassin of la Villette to the banks of the l’Ourcq. This canal was built by order of Napoleon Bonaparte. The canal provided the city with water and played an important role in the transportation of goods to and from the city. Today's destination is Lagny, a nice little town along the Marne.

Day 2: Lagny-sur-Marne - Meaux, 13 or 26 mi. (22 or 42 km)
In Lagny-sur-Marne, you ride, mainly along the Marne river and its parallel canal. In case you opt for the short ride, the first challenge is the hill near Chalifert. The barge will take the tunnel through the hill, but cyclists can test their fitness and muscles for the first time by climbing and crossing the hill by bicycle. Also on the longer option, the first part is quite hilly because you have to leave the valley of the Marne. Later you will follow the small Canal de l’Ourq that was built by Napoleon to transport wood, grain and freshwater to Paris. Today’s destination is the city of Meaux, famous for its “Brie de Meaux” cheeses and the magnificent Cathedral St.-Etienne. Night in Meaux.

Day 3: Meaux – La Ferté-sous-jouarre, 16 or 32 mi. (27 or 52 km)
There are a few cycling options today. The shorter option will lead you over the hills and slopes of the Marne valley on the south bank of the river through forests and small villages. The longer option stays in the valley of the river in the morning with a ride through Trilport and Lizy-sur Ourcq. Later you will have to climb a few challenging hills, leaving the valley in the direction of Jouarre. In Jouarre, all cyclists can enjoy a very nice presentation and tasting of the famous Brie de Meaux and Brie noir cheeses at the family-run Fromagerie Ganot. Dinner on board and night in La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre or a village nearby.

Day 4: La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre – Château-Thierry, 24 or 26 mi. (40 or 44 km)
Enjoy a somewhat challenging cycling tour from La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre to Château-Thierry. The first part of the cycling track leads you along the Marne river. After a few miles, you will take a side valley and follow country roads through various small villages and hamlets. Continue riding uphill until you finally reach the plateau above the northern part of the Marne valley. The side valleys are mainly covered with forest, on the plateau agriculture is predominant. Follow the valley of the small river Clignon. En route, you can visit the large WW1 American War Cemetery and Monument near Belleau on the D82. Start your descent to reach Château-Thierry. Dinner on board and night in Château-Thierry. Château-Thierry owes its name to the castle that once was situated on the slopes above the Marne. You can still see some remnants. The town was the site of two important battles: the Battle of 1814 in the Napoleonic Wars between France and Prussia and the Battle of 1918 at the end of World War I. Château-Thierry is also known as the native town of the world-famous writer of fables Jean de la Fontaine.

Day 5: Château-Thierry – Dormans – Epernay, 19 or 35 mi. (35 or 50 km)
During breakfast, the ship will take us to the lock of Mont St. Pierre or even a bit further upstream to Dormans. Today we will enter the official Champagne area. Dormans is a quiet village on the Marne with a castle and chapel in memory of the battle of the Marne. During World War I this area was the scene of intense battles. A ride up the northern valley slope to the village of Châtillon-sur Marne rewards the cyclist with a stunning panoramic view over the Marne valley and the Champagne vineyards. During the cycling tour, you will see the Château de Boursault, a large castle built in 1848 by the widow of Mr. Clicquot, who gave her name (“Veuve Clicquot”) to a famous Champagne wine. Dinner on board and night in Epernay.

Day 6:  Epernay round tour, 11 or 16 mi. (19 or 26 km)
The last half-day cycling tour takes you along the quiet canal parallel to the Marne River to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay. Return via Dizy to visit Hautvillers. After a somewhat challenging ascent, you will reach this picturesque village of Champagne wine growers on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. A highlight is a visit of the chapel with the tomb of the monk Dom Pérignon (1638-1715). In charge of the wine cellars of a Benedictine abbey, Dom Pérignon pioneered a number of winemaking techniques, being the first to blend grapes in such a way as to improve regional wines into a wine of superb quality. Double fermentation, characteristic for the making of champagne, was introduced also by him. Return cycling to Epernay. After lunch, visit the center of Epernay. Together with Reims, Epernay is the major wine center of the Champagne region, where three extensive wine regions meet: the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne. Epernay has many townhouses dating in neo-renaissance style or classical style dating from the 19th century, especially around the beautiful Avenue the Champagne where prestigious champagne houses, such as Moët & Chandon and Mercier, are situated. Enjoy a Champagne tasting and take a tour in one of the major Champagne houses.

Day 7: Departure from Epernay
Disembarkation after breakfast by 9:30 AM.

Epernay to Paris (7-day electric bike tour)

Day 1: Epernay round tour, 11 or 16 mi. (19 or 26 km)
Day 2: Epernay - Dormans - Château-Thierry, 19 or  35 mi. (35 or 50 km)
Day 3: Château-Thierry - La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre, 24 or 26 mi. (40 or 44 km)
Day 4: La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre – Meaux,  18 or 32 mi.  (30 or 52 km)
Day 5: Meaux - Lagny-sur-Marne, 15 or 30 mi. (24 or 45  km) 
Day 6: Lagnyo-sur-Marne - Paris, 23 or 32 mi. (38 or 51 km)
Day 7: Departure from Paris

Paris to Epernay (8-day tour)

Day 1: Embarkation in Paris
Day 2: Paris - Lagny, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Lagny - Meaux - La Ferté sous Jouarre, 22 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
Day 4: La Ferté sous Jouarre - Chateau Thierry, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Chateau Thierry - Dormans, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Dormans - Epernay, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Excursion to Reims by train
Day 8: Epernay 
 

Day 1: Embarkation in Paris
Arrive at the barge, moored in central Paris, between 12 and 2 PM. Once all guests are on board, the barge will cruise the Seine upstream to the confluence of the rivers Seine and Marne.

Day 2: Paris - Lagny, 22 mi. (35 km)
Leave Paris near the Bois and chateau of Vincennes. The route today is mostly on cycle paths and quiet roads with little traffic.

Day 3: Lagny - Meaux - La Ferté sous Jouarre, 22 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
Explore the region of Brie today, famous around the world for its soft cheese. Cycle into Meaux, famous for its unfinished Gothic cathedral. Some hills after visit to city center. Mooring not far from the little town of La Fertésous-Jouarre. Optional visit to Jouarre (church, abbey, crypt) on the hilltop.

Day 4: La Ferté sous Jouarre - Chateau Thierry, 28 mi. (45 km)
As you cycle the countryside, you will encounter some hills today. Cycle past the vineyards of the Champagne-region and visit Chateau Thierry.

Day 5: Chateau Thierry - Dormans, 22 mi. (35 km)
Today's route is along the river with a few hills. On the agenda is a visit to a park and WWI memorial in Dormans. The afternoon is free to explore Dormans. 

Day 6: Dormans - Epernay, 25 mi. (40 km)
From the mooring near Dormans, cycle through vine-covered fields and over some hillier terrain to Epernay, the center of the Champagne industry. Visit one of the many Champagne houses for a guided tour in the cellars.

Day 7: Excursion to Reims by train
After breakfast, leave the Marne valley to go to the ancient town of Reims by train. The roots of the town date back to the Roman empire. There is a Forum and the Porte de Mars, a monumental triumphal arch.

This day has two highlights:

• A visit to the Cathedral de Notre Dame. Until 1825, the coronation of all kings took place in this cathedral. Destroyed in the Great War it was carefully restored in its old glory.

• Visit of one of the largest Champagne brands: Pommery. The famous Heidsieck champagne originates from this house. Over 100,000 bottles are stored here. If you already have seen and tasted enough champagne, you can pay a visit to the Musée des Beaux Arts or walk around town.

Day 8: Epernay 
Tour ends after breakfast. 

Epernay to Paris (8-day tour)

Day 1: Arrival in Epernay, 9 mi. (15 km) 
Day 2: Visit of Reims
Day 3: Epernay - Chatillon sur Marne, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Chatillon sur Marne/Dormans - Château Thierry, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Chateau Thierry - La Ferté sous Jouarre, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: La Ferté sous Jouarre - Meaux - Lagny, 22 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
Day 7: Lagny - Paris, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Paris
 

Day 1: Arrival in Epernay, 9 mi. (15 km) 
After arrival on board, you will settle into your cabin and try out your rental bikes. Enjoy a glass of Champagne aboard during the welcome meeting!

Day 2: Visit of Reims
After a short train ride, visit the ancient town of Reims. Until 1825, the coronation of all kings took place in the cathedral of Reims. 

This day has two highlights:

• A visit to the Cathedral de Notre Dame. Until 1825, the coronation of all kings took place in this cathedral. Destroyed in the Great War it was carefully restored in its old glory.

• Visit of one of the largest Champagne brands: Pommery. The famous Heidsieck champagne originates from this house. Over 100,000 bottles are stored here. If you already have seen and tasted enough champagne, you can pay a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts or walk around town.

Day 3: Epernay - Chatillon sur Marne, 25 mi. (40 km)
Ride from Epernay, a center of Champagne with the most famous Champagne enterprises. A visit to one of the champagne production houses is planned including a guided tour in the cellars. Ride around the champagne area. Optional is a visit to Hautevillers, well-known because of Dom Perignon. Enjoy the landscape as you cycle the valley. Visit the birthplace of pope Urban II (the Pope who started the medieval crusade, statue high upon the hill, at Chatillon sur Marne).

Day 4: Chatillon sur Marne/Dormans - Château Thierry, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today's bike ride begins at 9 AM in or near Dormans. A visit to the war monument in park is planned. You'll encounter some slopes in the vineyard region. Cycle along the river to the town of Chateau Thierry. 

Day 5: Chateau Thierry - La Ferté sous Jouarre, 28 mi. (45 km)
Start the bike ride at 9 AM. As you cycle along the river, you'll encounter some hills. Optional is a visit to the abbey of Jouarre. Mooring in or near La Ferté sous Jouarre.

Day 6: La Ferté sous Jouarre - Meaux - Lagny, 22 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
From Champagne into the Brie region, ride into Meaux, the capital of the soft white, Brie cheese. Meaux is also known for its unfinished cathedral.

Day 7: Lagny - Paris, 22 mi. (35 km)
Cycle along the river into Paris on quiet bike trails. The presence of the big city is visible, but the route is mostly on roads with fairly low traffic. You'll enter the city near the Vincennes-park and castle and meet the ship near the Bassin de la Villette at the confluence of Marne and Seine. 

Day 8: Epernay
Tour ends after breakfast.